Introduction:
Bishweswar Prasad Koirala, after whose name the Foundation is established, is the symbol of Nepali renaissance. His ideas and vision made him a unique mixture of liberalism, humanism and social justice. He was a crusader against all forms of injustices perpetrated in various forms and through various agencies, state and non-state. He occupies a unique place in politics, literature and intellectual thinking process making him a statesman – politician. B.P. had the distinction of being the first elected Prime Minister, following his party’s overwhelming victory in the 1959 general election.
B.P.’s involvement in the Indian Nationalist Movement and its impact on his political thinking process made him a close friend of India.
A unique institution for cultural co-operation between India and Nepal:
The B.P.Koirala India – Nepal Foundation (BPKF) was established in December, 1991. The BPKF was instituted by the two Governments during the visit of the then Prime Minister, G.P.Koirala (B.P.Koirala’s youngest brother) through a historic Memorandum of Understanding between Government of Nepal and the Government of the Republic of India.
The BPKF was jointly inaugurated in 1992 by the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal, with the objective of supplementing the normal cooperation and interaction at the Government – to – Government level by providing business leaders, statesmen, media persons, economists, professionals, students, theatre personalities, artists and others with channels of communication to constantly nurture and further enhance the understanding and friendship between the two countries.
The Foundation is financed through revenues generated from a Trust Fund, which has been set up principally through grants made available by Government of Nepal and the Government of India. The Foundation also accepts unconditional grants from other agencies, both public and private.
Objectives:
The BPKF has been set up:
(i) To foster educational, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation between India and Nepal.
(ii) To promote mutual understanding and co-operation through the process of wide sharing of knowledge and professional talents in both academic pursuits and technical specialization.
Activities:
The thrust areas of activities identified for promoting understanding and cooperation are:
1. Education and Culture
2. Agricultural Research
3. Science and Technology
4. Health
5. Technical Training
6. Development Studies
7. Women Development
8. Area Studies
9. Media Studies
The Foundation extends financial supports for higher studies, research and other educational activities and in – service training, visits and exchange of scholars, writers, politicians, media – persons, administrators, businessmen and other professionals in various fields.
Structure of the Foundation
The BPKF is managed by a ten member of Board of Directors headed by the two Co-Chairpersons. The Ambassador of India to Nepal and the Nepalese Ambassador to India are the Co-Chairpersons of the Board. Other members of the Board are nominated by the two Governments from amongst the distinguished persons in their respective fields, while the two Joint Secretaries in-charge of their respective Foreign offices of India and Nepal desks will be the ex-officio members. Two officials of respective Embassies are designated to act jointly as secretaries of the Foundation.
The Board manages, supervises and controls the affairs of the Foundation. It meets twice a year to consider various proposals and projects received by the Foundation, and sanctions funds. Towards meeting the stated objectives, individuals, institutions or groups can approach the Foundation for consideration of their proposals through prescribed format made available in foundation offices in Delhi and Kathmandu.
Board Members
Co-Chairpersons |
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| H.E. Mr. Naveen Srivastava Ambassador of India to Nepal Embassy of India, Kathmandu Tel: 977-1-4411425 Fax:977-1-4420130 Email: amb.kathmandu@mea.gov.in |
H.E. Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma Ambassador of Nepal to India Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi Tel: 91-11-23476202 Email: amb.delhi@mofa.gov.np |
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Members |
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| Mr. Anurag Srivastava Joint Secretary (North) Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi Tel: 0091-11-23793241 Fax: 0091-11-23792814 Email: jsnorth@mea.gov.in |
Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana (South Asia Division) Joint Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singhadurbar, Kathmandu Tel: 977-1-4200145 Email: sa@mofa.gov.np |
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| Mr. Balbir Punj Former MP A-55, Sector-17, Noida UP-201301Tel: 0091-11-23782190/23782191Mob: 9811129994,9868181390Email: punjbalbir@gmail.com |
Prof. (Dr.) Bidur Prasad Upadhyay Chuche Pati, Chabahil Kathmandu Tel: 977-1-4471825 Mobile: 977-9841545351 Email: bidur.upa@hotmail.com |
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| Mr. Atul Koirala Dhapasi Height, Dhapasi-04, Tokha, Kathmandu Cell: +977-9851125716, +977-9801125716 Email: atulkoirala@gmail.com |
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| Mr. Prasanna Srivastava Deputy Chief Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu Tel: 977-1-4411408 Fax:977-1-4428285 Email: dcm.kathmandu@mea.gov.in |
Mrs. Ragini Upadhayay Grela Ragini Art Center, Ragini Chowk, Balkot Phone: 977-1-6630335 Email: ragini@mos.com.np |
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Secretaries |
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| Dr. Sahil Kumar First Secretary (PIC) & Secretary (BPKF) Embassy of India, Kathmandu Tel: 977-1-4413174 Fax:977-1-4420129 Email: cpic.kathmandu@mea.gov.in |
Ms. Dhana Kumari Joshi First Secretary & Secretary (BPKF) Embassy of Nepal Barakhambha Road, New Delhi Tel: 91-11-23476200/23329647 Email: bpkffoundation@gmail.com |
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